ICD-10 Code M00.822 – Arthritis due to other bacteria, left elbow (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M00.822 – Arthritis due to other bacteria, left elbow
What it is
This code identifies bacterial arthritis affecting the left elbow joint when the organism is not specifically named in the code title. It represents an infectious joint process, not chronic degenerative arthritis.
Clinical signs
The elbow is typically painful, swollen, warm, and movement is limited. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for evidence of joint infection, such as acute inflammatory findings or provider-confirmed septic arthritis.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents arthritis of the left elbow caused by bacteria other than the organisms assigned to more specific ICD-10 categories. It is appropriate when the record clearly links the infection to the left elbow. If the causative organism is named elsewhere, code that documented organism instead.
Do not use for
Do not use it for noninfectious arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Also avoid it when the documentation does not support bacterial joint infection or when the affected site is not the left elbow.
Coding tip
Check the organism and laterality in the note before assigning M00.822.